We are

Danca Makezu

Learning to

Positively Influence Each Other

When you have great community surrounding you, you become great as well

We Remain

Determined & Committed

Our focus is seeing you grow through dance, music & cultural experience.

About Us

An energetic duo, Yair & Chalianna, with their powerhouse talent, has been sharing their passion of Kizomba|Semba|Afrohouse across the USA. Yair & Chalianna began their teaching journey at the beginning of 2012 in San Francisco, CA. There was a great interest in their skills & knowledge to pass this on to new students. The dynamic duo took off and began teaching in various workshops and festivals around the world, bringing a culture and sense of passion to folks everywhere they go.”
In 2013, they were selected as the only US instructors to participate in the launch of a multinational online platform & movement called Kizomba Nation. The duo traveled to Angola as the US ambassadors & danced live on Angola’s popular tv show Tchilar.

“Dança” is the Portuguese word for “dance.” “Makèzú” means “Kola Nut” in the Angolan language of Kimbundu. It has deep roots in the culture of Angola, and has been used to cure hunger pangs for generations, and also has deep religious connections to the people. Kola Nut is utilized as an energy boost as it has caffeine and is sometimes chewed.

We wanted to pay homage to Angola via the great Angolan poet Viriato Da Cruz’s poem “Makèzú,” which also influenced musician Ruy Minga to create a song of the same name in homage to the poem. This poem told the story of two ancient street vendors who reminisced the old days when people believed in the magical force of the kola nut.

As we embrace kizomba, we always want to stick to the root of the dance and, like the kola nut, allow its energy and magical feeling to take over us. Our goal is to strive to carry the essence of Viriato’s poem, the history of the music, the originality and native feeling of the dance, and the ability to give those who want to fall in love with kizomba the strength to do so.

Chalianna

Instructor/Director

As a native New Yorker, Chalianna’s dance background began with her heritage and culture stemming from the Dominican Republic. After growing up dancing bachata, Chalianna began to study dances such as Afro-Brazilian, Belly dance, traditional Congolese dance, hip hop and more. Having prior experience teaching hip hop to middle school students prepared Chalianna with the skillset necessary for teaching and spreading the essence and beauty of Kizomba.

Yair & Chalianna

Dynamic Dance Duo

Chalianna & Yair are not only known for their teaching but event promotion as well. They've hosted many successful parties & workshops including Mika Mendes, Ricardo Lemvo, Katumbella, Mandela, Eddy & Laury, Bernadeth & Petchu|Vanessa. In 2014, they set forth on a journey as co-organizers with 3 other promoters to create the Miami Beach Kizomba Festival. The festival in its 1st year held over 500 individuals & the 2nd year, saw over 1,000 individuals. Chalianna has further endeavored to promote & highlight the presence of women within the African Rhythms industry with the launch of ELLA: African Rhythms Affair in December 2015 with two additional partners.
Their passion, love & respect for music, dance & culture that is not theirs is almost unparalleled. They plan to continue elevating themselves, & everyone they encounter to bring the best experience within the Kizomba dance scene.

Yaïr

Instructor/Director

Originally from New York and coming from a Haitian background, Yair spent his whole life dancing to the sounds of Konpa bands, as well as Cabo Zouk and French love Zouk styles. In addition to these dances, Yair has experience with all forms of Breakdancing, Bachata, and was a student of the world renowned Santo Rico Salsa School for a few years. He was introduced to Kizomba in 2010 in New York City and fell in love with its movements, sensuality and gracefulness.

Festivals | Events We’ve Taught

Info on Dances | Music

In the Kitchen|Under Development

While we would love to publish what we currently have/know, we want to make this page a bit more interesting than you are typically used to seeing informational pages.

Please give us a bit more time to give you something you will enjoy more.

– Danca Makezu

Our Projects

We've done and been a part of so many massively successful projects. Here are just several of them we wanted to shared with you.

DESCRIPTION In 2013, an initiative was launched to create a Kizomba Worldwide Platform. A co-venture between Semba Communicao & PMP events of Portugal was formed to promote kizomba in the world. The focus was based on right divulation & teac...

Meet ELLA: African Rhythms Affair, an event that focuses on women and their relationship within the Kizomba, Semba and African Rhythms industry. Organized for women, #ELLA aims to change tradition and like never before introduce you to many of the sp...

The International Dance Festival will be hosted by Cedgy Promotions from the 19th to 25th of August 2014, It will bringing together teachers, DJ’s, musicians, dancers, & friends from all around the US & the world.

Media

Check out some of our memories through our travels in cities & countries around the world where we've taught in festivals, classes, performed or had fun at parties with friends. Click a button below to see some of our pictures or videos.

Contact Us

Are you interested in booking us for an event? Are you someone who wants to learn more about these dances & music? Interested in a private? Have a general question for us? Send us a message below and we will get back to you.